Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2015 | Review
Next-generation sequencing: hype and hope for development of personalized radiation therapy?
Authors:
Ingeborg Tinhofer, Franziska Niehr, Robert Konschak, Sandra Liebs, Matthias Munz, Albrecht Stenzinger, Wilko Weichert, Ulrich Keilholz, Volker Budach
Published in:
Radiation Oncology
|
Issue 1/2015
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Abstract
The introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the field of cancer research has boosted worldwide efforts of genome-wide personalized oncology aiming at identifying predictive biomarkers and novel actionable targets. Despite considerable progress in understanding the molecular biology of distinct cancer entities by the use of this revolutionary technology and despite contemporaneous innovations in drug development, translation of NGS findings into improved concepts for cancer treatment remains a challenge. The aim of this article is to describe shortly the NGS platforms for DNA sequencing and in more detail key achievements and unresolved hurdles. A special focus will be given on potential clinical applications of this innovative technique in the field of radiation oncology.